William Harry v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2023)

William Harry filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on October 21, 2019. The respondent conceded that Mr.

Harry's claim satisfied the criteria for a Table injury, specifically that GBS onset occurred between three and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination with no apparent alternative cause. Based on this concession and the evidence, the court issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Mr.

Harry eligible for compensation. Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for an award of damages.

The court awarded Mr. Harry a total of $279,575.60.

This amount includes $2,960.18 for life care expenses in the first year, $250,000.00 for pain and suffering, and $26,615.42 for past unreimbursable expenses. The award also includes an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity for future life care expenses.

The decision was issued on July 26, 2023, following the petition filed on January 4, 2021.